Are you ready for the Wild Water Derby in the Finger Lakes?

We are so lucky to live, work, and play in the Finger Lakes. We have abundant water resources, greenery that goes on for miles and miles, and four seasons of varied, but equally beautiful, weather. So this Earth Day, we’d like to celebrate that abundance of natural beauty by publishing a week’s worth of blogs on all things that celebrate the Earth in the Finger Lakes! Here’s number two in that series!

Ready to really celebrate Earth? If so, prepare yourself for the Wild Water Derby! Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes at the end of April, the Wild Water Derby is a weekend event comprised of canoe and kayak slaloms, a pancake breakfast, special awards, a raft parade, and the ever-exciting raft race. The events utilize the rapids that flow north from Canandaigua Lake into the Canandaigua Outlet. The Derby starts north of Shortsville, New York and continues down through Manchester. A local tradition of the Manchester and Shortsville communities, the Derby is complete with personal water crafts and the ultimate fan favorite: the homemade craft event!

Mother Nature is on our side. This year we have excellent water levels in both the Outlet and Canandaigua Lake. This two-day event starts off with a Flat Water Regatta, heading from Canandaigua Lake to Littleville on April 27th. On the 28th the action heats up with the slalom course as the crafts take to the white water mid-afternoon at 1pm.

Not one to get out on the water? Grab a front seat on the Manchester Gateway Trail, Shortsville-Manchester's newest edition to Ontario County's bountiful outdoor assets! The course starts at Budd Park in Shortsville and continues down into Manchester, taking you to the finish line. Be sure to bring your chairs and grab a seat early. The race will finish on Clifton Street as the crafts race towards the finish line.

Afterward, swing by Grandpa Joe’s ice cream and grab your favorite sundae. Grandpa Joe’s is located just a few minutes from the Manchester Gateway Trail.

So ready your crafts or your chairs, get down to the Wild Water Derby on April 27th and 28th and get outside to continue celebrating Earth Day in the Finger Lakes!

Check back for updates and results on the derby, but in the meantime, check out AJ's visit to the Wild Water Derby a few years ago!

Author: David Lee

David Lee spent his childhood in the Finger Lakes and loved it so much he decided to stay and work in tourism so he could help bring Finger Lakes fun to others! When David is not at the office, you’ll most likely find him on one of the many top-notch golf courses in the area. He is also a mountain biker who loves cruising the trails in Victor. David takes a special interest in all the natural assets of the Finger Lakes. He says, “It’s a great place to taste, travel and explore every day.”